Specialty overview

Microbiologists utilise laboratory techniques to diagnose infectious diseases, recommend antibiotic therapy, and advise and educate clinicians on the origins of infection, epidemiology and prevention and management mechanisms.

Clinical practice

Microbiologists work as part of multidisciplinary teams within both the public and private sectors, running diagnostic laboratories and providing interpretation of test results and advice to other physicians concerning the appropriateness of further investigation and the use of antimicrobial drugs.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

16
eligible

4
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 16, Applicants selected is 4.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

52

Number of QLD specialists

264

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

3

Number of QLD new fellows

8

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

12

Number of QLD trainees

38.7

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 52

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 3

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 38.7 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 50 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 22% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 37% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 7.4% are located in regional Queensland, 92.6% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote regions. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    29.6%
    male

    70.4%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 29.6%, Females are 70.4%.

  • Public vs Private

    29.6%
    private

    70.4%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 29.6%, Public is 70.4%.

Information on trainees

  • 12

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 1

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 61

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 12

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    75%
    male

    25%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 75%, Females are 25%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    16
    received

    4
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 16 Eligible applications were received, 4 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

This line chart shows the trend of the number of Queensland trainees from 2015 to 2022. The data points are: 2015 - 14 trainees, 2016 - 15 trainees, 2017 - 13 trainees, 2018 - 18 trainees, 2019 - 18 trainees, 2020 - 15 trainees, 2021 - 15 trainees, 2022 - 12 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Robert Norton

Microbiologist
Townsville University Hospital

  • My role as a clinical microbiologist involves the direct and on-site supervision of a diagnostic microbiology laboratory at Townsville University Hospital. This region has some of the most diverse infectious diseases in Australia and it was this aspect that attracted me to the region. An integral part of my role is to be a resource for the management and diagnosis of infectious diseases. In addition, I participate in the provision of an effective Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship program. Working within multidisciplinary teams is an important part of the role. Within this role I supervise and train registrars, scientists and medical students, participate in and promote teaching and research. In essence, I enjoy the four parts of my job – the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases, the management of patients with this, teaching, and finally research into locally relevant infectious diseases such as melioidosis and Q fever.

Training information

College

Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)

Length of training

5 years full-time (microbiology training), 8 years full-time (dual infectious diseases and microbiology training)

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)

Training and assessment summary

Appointments to Queensland Pathology Training Programs are coordinated by the Medical Support Unit, Pathology Queensland (Health Support Queensland) in conjunction with Pathology Queensland's State Directors and Coordinators of Education and Training. Pathology recruitment is centralised by discipline/sub-specialty and not by facility. Training is accredited through the RCPA.

Training program overview

Microbiology training develops comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in all facets of microbiology and to be proficient at collection and handling of specimens and identifying the range of organisms expected to be encountered in a tertiary care hospital. Training may follow two pathways - Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) fellowship or dual RCPA/Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) fellowship for trainees who wish to combine infectious diseases training with laboratory training in microbiology. Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment across four general functions of microbiology - discipline-specific functions as a medical specialist in a laboratory, functions as a manager in the laboratory, research and scholarship, and professional attributes. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of RCPA (FRCPA). Trainees who successfully undertake joint RCPA/RACP training in microbiology and infectious diseases will attain the qualifications of FRCPA and FRACP.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold registration as a medical practitioner with a minimum of 2 years of postgraduate experience. Applicants must be employed in a training position at an accredited site before seeking registration with the college.

Flexibility

Minimum 20% of full-time commitment. No limit is placed on the time taken to complete training.

Interrupted training

Allowed however a period of additional training may be required if training is interrupted for more than 5 years.

Training locations

Last updated: September 2024